Eight-word prayer may be Bartimaeus' gift to each of us
by Sister Mary Kabat
Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!
In this Sunday’s Gospel (Mark 10:46-52,) we hear Bartimaeus calling out those words loudly to Jesus. Not once, but repeatedly. We don’t know much about Bartimaeus. We know he was blind. He was a roadside beggar, and he was dismissed by the crowd. We can assume he had heard about Jesus and his ability to cure. We can assume he believed Jesus could restore or give him sight for the first time. We see he isn’t going to be denied this chance for a cure, a new start, a new life.
Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!
Have you prayed the Bartimaeus prayer? As humans we have challenges, pain and sorrows – of body, mind and soul – beyond our ability to handle or change. We can feel like hopeless beggars on the roadside of life. That hopelessness can be compounded by a negative words or experiences with others. But there is One who wants only good for you and me -- Jesus. Let’s say our prayer loudly and often. Let’s hear Jesus calling us to come to him. Yes, Jesus may not answer exactly as we hope, may not answer according to our timeline, and may encourage us to refine our prayer a bit. But don’t doubt that Jesus wants what is good for us, that he can bless us with peace, strength and a heart of love. And aren’t those the greatest gifts for life?
Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!
Have you prayed the Bartimaeus prayer? Are you praying it now? Would you like to pray it? Jesus will hear you above the noise within or without.
Thank You Sr. Mary Kabat. This is a good mantra/prayer for feeling overwhelmed with commitments.
It's reassuring above all the details/noise Jesus will hear us. With gratitude, Deb.